Author: Anastasia Straley

For Anastasia Straley, moving to Chicago was a dream ten years in the making. She moved to the city in 2016 to join the Choose Chicago team after sprinkling stints her life throughout the Midwest and the South. As a visitor, she fell in love with the city’s constant creative energy and accessibility to world-class arts, architecture and public spaces; as a resident, she still adores those things—she just gets to talk about that (and so much more) all the time on social media. Get in touch with her personally as @arstraley on Twitter.

We might be a big city, but Chicago is rooted in its neighborhoods. This weekend, learn about the cultural fabrics that make up many of our neighborhoods. Whether you choose to explore museums that are part of the Chicago Cultural Alliance or get an early start with authentic Dia de los Muertos celebrations, learn more about who makes up the fabric of Chicago's diversity. You'll also get a good glimpse of the city's variety of background during this week's round up of events.

The leaves aren't the only thing changing in Chicago right now. Michigan Avenue is preparing for the opening of a flagship Apple store, and we're all planning out which identities we'll assume for Halloween festivities ahead of October 31. It finally feels as though we're settling into the brisker weather, so we're glad so many of this weekend's events are cozy, indoor ventures.

The weather is cooler, but the #ChicagoLeafPeeping is prime. As autumn wraps the city in reds and golds, it's the perfect time to check out the harvest festivals and Oktoberfests that are popping up around town. As we cruise into a new month, take a moment to check out the biggest events happening in October, and make some time for these weekend picks (that is, if you don't stay out too late at these bars that keep the party going past last call).

We are gearing up for an exciting fall season, but first we've got to get our last bits of summer through a number of outdoor activities this weekend — soak it all in with this urban explorer itinerary. Then stop by the many creative (Expo Chicago & Chicago Architecture Biennial top the list) and exciting events (from Riot Fest to Taco Fest) throughout the warm afternoons before topping off the night at one of the fun concerts (Ed Sheerin is in town, plus several world music headliners). Come and join the party! Here are ten things to do in Chicago this weekend.

Ready for autumn? We aren't upset about a weekend forecast in the 70s, but there's also plenty to do that celebrates your excitement for sweater weather. Whether you're looking for the perfect date night or searching for a theatre to snuggle up in, we hope you get into the seasonal spirit. Meanwhile, you can also enjoy these weekend festivals and events.

Another Labor Day rolls around, but Chicago holds on to summer as long as it possibly can. We’ve written a guide to most of the festivals happening around town this weekend, such as the African Festival of the Arts, Taste of Polonia, the North Coast Music Festival and more. Of course, don’t miss out on the fireworks at Navy Pier. Here's our roundup of things to do in Chicago this weekend!

As August cruises toward an end, we’re taking advantage of some of the last summertime street festivals and outdoor events in Chicago. If you don’t catch us running around these events in Chicago this weekend, you might find us eating alfresco on one of these off-the-path patios or indulging in these desserts unique to the city. Header photo credit: lizzyfay.com

This weekend, we’re soaking up the Chicago summertime one festival at a time. Whether you like to gape at marvels in the sky or observe the street-level around you, here are some of our top picks for things to do in Chicago this weekend.